Activities at Dovedale Court Care Home

Dovedale Court care home in Preston went all out for National Picnic Week. Residents were invited to create an indoor picnic in the dining room. A whole host of treats were laid on to celebrate.

Hampers, prepared by the hospitality team at the home, were packed to the brim with freshly made sandwiches, pork pies, salad, pasta, quiche and crisps for residents to enjoy al fresco. The fun didn’t stop there as some of the other delights on offer included refreshing juices, tea/coffee and a delicious fruit salad with ice cream.

Rachael Watson, General Manager at the home, said: “Picnic Week is a great excuse for us to reminisce on childhood picnics and enjoy an indoor picnic, although the sun was shining, it was far too hot for all of us to sit outside but we still had fun and enjoyed our indoor picnic. In these unprecedented times, we are continually finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice.”

On Saturday 13th June, the Queen celebrated her second, and official, birthday. This year, there was an extra incentive to join in the festivities at Dovedale Court, as residents were asked to design a birthday cake in honour of Her Majesty’s birthday as part of a Barchester competition. The chosen cake design was then whipped into reality by one of the home’s care assistants, Michelle Eccles, and enjoyed by residents and staff on the Queen’s special day.

Residents were also treated to a lovely afternoon of music and dancing, with decorations on display, prepared by the hospitality team. The Queen’s birthday was marked with a small celebration at Windsor Castle, where the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are staying in isolation. Residents tuned in to watch a Royal Salute from the military, led by The Welsh Guard and massed Bands of the Household Division, which replaced the Trooping the Colour after it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A resident of Dovedale celebrated his 87th birthday surrounded by residents and colleagues with a fun-filled day of activities and treats. The birthday boy was overjoyed to receive gifts from the home and his children who are scattered across the country and in Dubai. 

The created a special card decorated by residents and personalised messages on the inside. The home set up Skype calls with the family which the birthday boy thoroughly enjoyed.

To combat loneliness and isolation staff at Dovedale Court reached out to the community as part of their extended social network to seek pen-pals of all ages reaching to remain connected during the current coronavirus crisis. Residents were delighted to receive colourful pictures sent to the home's inbox from members of local group, Preston Crafters Community. Thank you for adding a little colour and sunshine to our residents day and for your heartfelt message.                                                                                                                                                                   

Thank you to West Bengal, who donated an emergency food parcel to members of the home's staff team. On behalf of Dovedale colleagues, they would like to pass on their gratitude for being considered at this time of uncertainty, and hope everyone stays safe and well. It was such a nice gesture, thinking of us care homes and everyone joining forces to keep the community spirit together!

Residents from Dovedale took part in a colourful rainbow themed arts and crafts session in the sun. Throughout the day, residents created lots of art that weas spread throughout the home and on the windows to show their thanks and support to their local community, with their bright new leggy friend, the giraffe, displayed in the homes window.